Present in the Moment with a Grin

There is no need in life to be continually just pushing along, drudging along.  If you are awake and open in living situations, it is possible for them and you to be creative, beautiful, humorous, and delightful.  This natural openness is right effort as opposed to any old effort.  Right effort is seeing a situation precisely as it is at that very moment, being fully present, with delight, with a grin.

From "The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation"

Hey Everyone - I love this excerpt!!  What a great way to look at the challenging days that we all face.  Make a copy and put it somewhere so you can remind yourself of the importance of enjoying the present moment!

How to Look at Fear

When fear occurs in your life, you should examine the nature of fear.
This is not based on asking logical questions about fear: "Why am I
afraid?" "What is the cause of my fear?" It is simply looking at the
state of fear or panic that is taking place in you. Just look at it. We
can always find good reasons to be afraid. But in this case, rather than
taking an analytical approach to fear, you should just look at your fear
directly.
From: Smile at Fear: Awakening the True Heart of Bravery, Pema Chodron

A word on confidence...

I love this expert.  Imagining that our confidence is like the sun rising in the morning.  This is a great way to lessen all those judgements about confidence and get in touch with our natural talents.

"Developing confidence is like watching the sun rise. First it seems very feeble and one wonders whether it will make it. Then it shines and shines. Confidence is not about arrogance or pride. It is a natural unfolding process. It's not a question of needing confidence or not needing it. It's naturally there. In fact, we actually don't have to develop confidence. It's more that we have to acknowledge the confidence that already exists."


From: Smile at Fear: Awakening the True Heart of Bravery

Fall Recipes

Share your ideas for fall recipes.  Try to challenge your creativity and include some different ingredients.

Here is a great fall hot tea recipe (good for the lungs and sinuses):

2 Tangerine peels
4 Scallions
Sliced Ginger (to taste)
5 Almonds
Boil 4 minutes and strain
Add Honey (to taste)

Hello Everyone

You guys asked for a blog and here it is.  It was a lot of fun putting it together.  I hope you all can meet here to share ideas and support each other along your individual journeys.  Remember to relax and have some fun.  Try to do something you really want to do today!

Dr J